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IN SIX ACTS 



Founded on one of the Most Thrilling Incidents 
of the Great Rebellion. 



COMRADE M. J. GiLTNER, CHAPLAIN 



01- 



Rice Post, No. 148, Deparlnjeijt of OI]io, 

G. A. R. 



OHIO. 



TELEPHONE PRINTING CO. 

ELYBFA, OHIO. 



V Tl^C V 



.ter ^ mettrteve-» 



-A. IDI^-A-IMIA. 

IN SIX ACTS 



Founded on one of the Most Thrilling Incidents 
of the Great Rebellion. 



-BY- 




COMRADE M. J. GiLTNER, CHAPLAIN 



OF- 



Rice Post, No. 148, Departnjeijt of Oljio, 



G. A R. 



OHIO. 



fA 



THE SOLDIER'S REPRIEVE, 



.4.Y EPISODE OF THE REBELLION. 



SIX SCENES. 
CHARACTERS: 

Mr. Owen, a Fanner in Xortlien New York. 
Mrs. Owen, liis wife. 

Bennie, a^ed IS, and Blossom aged 12, their children. 
Elder Allan, tlicir Pastor. 
.Messenger. 

Mrs. Carr, an Irisli ladv (a widow) 
President Lincoln. 

The President's Private Secretary and an Orderly. 
Sergeants Moore and Thomas. 
Six or More Guards. 

Col. J. R. Merriman, Capts. Williams and Flint and Orderly. 
J(c(|u(aii-l7 

TMP92-009247 






SCENE I'—Mr. Owen and family at burnt — Air Owen reading daily paper — 

Airs. O. sewing — Blossom studying lesson — Bennie interrupts his father. 

Ben — Father, may I enlist in the army? 

Mr. O — Why Bennie! you are too young. 

B — I am as old as Jemmie Carr and he has enlisted! 

Mrs. 0—0 dear me! I wonder what his poor mother will do without him; he is 
thought so much of her, and she of Jemmie; he was her only support. Poor woman! 

Mr. O — I fear, wiie, before the war is ended many homes will be childless and 
many hearts broken. But our flag is assailed and we must maintain its honor im- 
sullied, or the blood of our torefathers will have been shed in vain. 
Mrs. O — How dreadlul to think of the sufferings of the poor men vvhose patriotism 
sends them from home and loved (/ues to sacrifice their lives in defense of their coun- 
try. 

Mr. O — True, dear wife, but we must remember that this is a b&ttle for the right, 
against the wrong. In this, we and the}- have God on our side, and that means 
victory. 

Ben — Well, father, if tliis is for the right, against the wrong, will you not let me 
go? You know 3'ou have always taught me to defend the right at any cost. And 
did not our ministei say last Sabbath that it was a christian duty to sacrifice life 
rather than submit to the powers of evil? I should be ashamed, father, when I 
am a man to think I had never used this great right arm ior my country when it 
needed it. PalsA' it rather than keep it at the plow! If this the jcause of God and 
humanit}', and we believe it is, then he will take care ot me and bring me safe home. 

Mrs. O — Oh Bennie! must I give up my only son? 

Ben — Mother, you have little Blossom to keep you companj'. I will write often 
and then it will be such a comfort to poor Mrs. Carr to know that Jemmie and I 
are going together. It is hard to leave you and Blossom and father, but you will 
be proud of your soldier boy. 

Afrs. O — God bless vou my son. 

Ben — Good bye father, good bye mother, good bye sister. 

Mr. O — Good bye Bennie, God go with you and keep you. 
SCENE Il^Curtain rises with Bennie on Picket at the edge of a wood — He sits 

down and soon falls asleep, his gun leaning against a tree — Sergeant of the Guard 

with relief comes and finds him in this condition, secures his gun, wakes him, 

places him under arrest. 

Sgt Guard — You are my prisoner. You were asleep on your post. 

Ben — ( Rousing and realizing his condition) I was so tired Sergeant; I didn't mean 
to. O please don't report me. It will kill mj' poor father and mother, and dear 
little Blossom. 

S. 6 — Boy, I pity you, but this is an important post, next to the enemy's lines, 
and a soldier must do his duty. Soldiers, take him to the guard house. 

[Exit with Bennie) 

MILITARY COURT. 

SCENE 111— Col J. B. Merriman, Judge .Advocates, Capts. Williams and Flint, 
Staff Officers and two clerks seated at table. Orderly with Sergeants stripes 
standing: Judge .Advocate, rising and saluting speaks: 




4 , THE SOLDIER S REPRIEVE. 

Bro. Officers: This court has been eoiivcned by special order of General rommand- 
ing this department for the purpose of trying a private of Co. "E" 9th New York V 
I who is reported to have fallen asleep while on duty as guard. I hope you will give 
this case the attention it demands in view of the fact that we are in tace of the 
enemy where the utmost vigilance is necessary to prevent a surprise. 

J. A. turning to O. G.) Sergeant bring in the prisoner. {Sergeant enters with 
prisoner who is seated at rear of table facing the audience.) 

J. A. to Bennie — When were you last on duty.'' 

B. — Last night 

J. A. — What was the nature of that duty? 

B. — I was on picket guard. 

/. A. — Where were you posted? 

B. — At the edge of the woods, near Culpepper, C. H. (/. A, motions Bennie to 
seat.) 

J. A. to Orderly — Call Sergeant Moore who was in charge of picket guard yester- 
day. ( Orderly goes out and returns with that officer.) 

J. A. to Sgt. Aloore — Sergeant, were you on duty as Sergeant of picket ycsterdaj'? 

Sgt. M— i was. 

/. A. — You may state what, if anytliing ot importance occurred during that time. 

Sgt. M. — Last night as I was visiting the different posts I came on one sentinel 
asleep at one of the most important points in the edge of the woods in front of Cul- 
pepper C H. and near the enemies lines. 

/. A. — Do you (fnow the sentinel? 

Sgt.—YL^ was a member of Co. "E" 9th N. Y. V. L. 

/. A. — Could yovi recognize the sentinel if you saw him? 

Sgt. — I believe I could. 

J. A. — Is he present here? 

Sgt. — Tnat IS the boy. 

J. A. — That will do; ycu may retire. 

/. A. to Bennie -What have you to say to this charge? 

B. — Notliing; only I was very tired with our long march yesterday. 

/. A. to Sgt. of guard— You may remove the prisoner to the guard-house and see 
that he is made as comfortable as circumstances v\ill permit, but keep him strictly 
guarded until further orders. {Exit Sergeant with Bennie. 
Finding of the Court Martial. 

/. A. — Brother officers ot the court, upon us devolves the solemn duty to pass upon 
the actions of a fellow soldier, whose conduct has been ot such a character on this 
trial to prove his honesty in acknowleging his violation of duty, although no doubt 
he is well aware of tiie nature of his offense as well as the penait}' therefor. His 
youth, his simplicity, his manly bearing speak volumes in his favor. But when we 
consider the imminent danger to thousands of lives entrusted for the time to his 
vigilance, lives equally as precious it becomes our sad duty to find accv^rding to the 
testimony given, and pass such sentence as the justice ot the case demands. 

The Sentence, ( to he read by Adjt. 
Headqu.irters Army of the Potomac: 

In the field near Culpepper, C. H. Va., Sept 16th, '62 at a Court Martial 
convened at these Headquarters and authorized by special order No. 258, dated 
Sept. 15th. '62 from Brigade Headquarters to trv private Benjamin F. Owen, Co. 
E. 9thN. Y. V. I. 
Charge — Gross neglect of duty. 

Specification — In this that private Benjamin F. Owen, Co. E 9th N. Y. V. I., while 
on duty as picket guard on the night of Sept. 14th, 1862, in front of the enemy, at 
a most important point near the town of Culpepper, C. H., Va., did fall asleep to 
the endangering of the lives of the members of this brigade. 

The above charge and specification having been proven by the Scrgtant of the 
guard who arrested him while asleep, and his own admission, theretore it is the 
finding of the court that private Benj. F, Owen, Co. E 9th N. Y. V. I. be shot to 



THE SOLDIER S REPRIEVE 5 

death by inusketrj^ on the 24th instant between the hours of 9 and 11 a. m. 

Signed, 

Col. J. R. Merrtman, J. A.,) 
Capt. T. B. Williams. } 
Capt. O. F. Flint. ) 

Headquarters Brigade, Sept, 15th, 1862. 

Approved, 
Genl. 0. L. Meigs. Brigade Commander. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, Sept. 17th, 1862 

Approved, 

A. Lincoln, President. 
SCENEJ[V^Mr. Owen's home. Wife and Blossom sewing. Enter Mr. O. with tele- 

granimp Jennie. Reads with great emotion to wife and daughter. Wife cries. 

Blossom'^ontrols herself with strong effort ofwnll. 

Culpepper. Va., Sept. 16th, 1862. 

Dear Father: — I slept otdy a minute — am to be shot — will write — pray for Bennie. 
Only twenty-four hours. 

Enter Mr. Allan, the Pastor. 

Mr. O. — I thought, Mr. Allan when I gave Bennie to my country, that not afather 
in all tiiis broad land made so precious a gift. No, not one. The dear boy slept 
only a minute, just one little minute, at his posi; 1 knovv Bennie never dozed oser a 
duty. How prompt and reliable he was! I know he only fell asleep one little second 
— why, he was as tall as I, and only eighteen! and now they shoot him because they 
fomui liim asleep when doing sentinel duty! Twenty-four hours the telegram said, 
only twenty-four hours. Where is Bennie now? 

Mr. A. — Let us hope with his heavenly father. 

Mr. O. — Yes, yes; let us hooe; God is very merciful! "I should be ashamed," Ben- 
nie said, when 1 am a man to thiuK I never used this great right arm, and he held it 
out so proudly before me, "for my country when it needed it!" "Palsy it rather 
than keep it at the plow!" Go, then, my boy, I said, and God keep you. God has 
kept him I think Mr. .\llan. {These last words slowly-} 

Mr. A. — Like the apple of his e3'e, doubt it not. 

(Blossotn sat listening too deeply affected to weep. A tap at the kitchen door is 
answered by her; as she opens it, a messenger hands her a letter. Returning she 
hands it to her father, saying only, *'It's from him" Mr. Owen takes the letter, 
but is so nervous he cannot break the enyelope, holds it out to Mr. Allan, who 
opens and reads as follows: ) 

Dear Father: — When this reaches you, I shall be in eternity. At first it seemed 
awful to me, but I have thought ajout it so much that death has no terrors. They 
say thej' will not bind me nor blind me; but that I may meet my death like a man. 
I thought, father, it might have been on the battle-field, for my country, and that 
when I fell, it would be fighting gloriously; but to be shot down like a dog for near- 
ly betraying it, to die for nealect of duty! father, I wonder the very thought does 
not kill me! But I shall not disgrace you. I am going to write you all about it; 
and when I am gone, you may tell mv comrades. I cannot now. 

You know I promised Jemmy Carr's mother I would look after her boy; and, 
when he fell sick I did all I could for him. He was not strong when they ordered 
him back into the ranks, and the day before that night, I carried all his luggage, 
besides my own on our march Toward night we went in on double quick, and 
though the luggage began to feel very heavy, everybody else was ver\- tired too; 
and as for Jemmie, if 1 had not lent him an arm now and then, he would have drop- 
ped by the way. I was all tired out when we came into camp, and thenit was Jem- 
mie's turn to be sentry, and I wouM take his place; but I was too tired, father. 
I could not have kept awake if a gun had been pointed at my head; but I did not 
Know it until — well, until it was too late." 

{"God be thanked!" interrupted Mr. Owen, reverently. "I knew Bennie vvas not 
the boy to sleep carelessly at his post.") 



/ 



6 THE soldier's REPRIEVE. 

[Mr. Allan reading:) "They tell me today that I have a short reprieve — given to 
me by circumstances — 'time to write to you,' our good Colonel says. Forgive him 
father, for he only does his dutv; he would gladly save me if he could; and do not 
lay up my death against Jemmie. The poor boy is brokenhearted and does nothing 
but beg and entreat them to let him die in my stead. 

I can't bear to think of mother and Blossom. Comfort them, father! Tell them 
I die as a brave boy should, and that when the war is over, they will 'not be 
ashamed of me as they must be now. God help me; it is very hard to bear! Good- 
bye father! God seems very near and dear to me, not at all as if He wished me to 
perish forever, but as it He felt sorry for his poor, sinful, broken-hearted child, and 
would take me to be with Him and my Saviour in a better — better life." 

{A deep sigh hurst from Mr. Owen's heart, "Amen" — he said solemnly — "Amen.") 

Tonight in the early twilight I shall see the cows all coming home from pasture, 
and precious little blossom stand on the back stoop, waiting for me — but I shall 
never, never come! Go j bless you all. Forgive your poor Bennie." 

[Mr. and Mrs. Owen and the minister retire leaving Blossom alone, who writes a 
hasty note, hurriedly puts on her cloak and hat, takes Bennie's letter and puts it in 
her s'achel, slips out and takes the train for Washington via N. Y. \s she nears the 
door at the rear of the audience the conductor opens the door and calls out, "This 
train for N. Y. Baltimore and Washington. Blossom goes out and entei's by the rear 
imobserved by the audience. Curtain slowly drops as Blossom leaves the stage.] 

MUSIC 

TWO ACTS. 
SCENE V— President Lincoln enters his private office where his private secretary 

is arranging papers. An orderly in waiting. President seated. Enter Blossom 

mth downcast eyes. 

Pres L.— Well, m'v child, what do you want so bright and early this moi-ning? 

^/ossom— Bennie's life, please, sir. ^^ 

Pres. — Bennie, who is Bennie? 

Bios.— My brother, sir. They are going to shoot him tor sleeping at his post. _ 

Pres.— 0. yes, I remember! It was a fatfil sleep. You see, child, it was at a time 
of special danger. Thousands of lives miijht have been lost for his culpable negli- 
gence. 

Bios.— So my fatlier said, but poor Bennie was so tired, sir, and Jemmie so weak. 
He did tlie work of two, sir, and it was Jemmie's niglit, not his: but Jemmie was too 
tired, and Bennie never thought about himself, that he was tired too. 

Pres.— What is this you say child? Come here, I do not understand. [Blossom 
goes to him, the Pres.' puts his hand on her shoulder, and turns up her pale face to 
his, then takes a letter from her sachel and hands it to him, saying,^ "Here is Bennie's 
letter. 

{The President reads the letter , turns to table and writes hastily) {Handing the 
message to the orderlv says: P— "Send this dispatch at once." {turning to Bios.) 

Pres.— Go home mychilcl, and tell that father of yours, who could approve his 
country's sentence, even when it took the life of a child like that, that Abraham 
Lincoln thinks that lite too precious to be lost. Go back; or wait until tomorrow. 
Bennie will neecT7il:hange after he has so bravely faced death: he shall go with you. 

Bios. — God bless you, sir. 

Pres.— Orderly, take this child to Mrs. Willards and tell them to keep her for me 
until to-morrow. 

Cuttain falls and rises shortly with the President and private secretary still seat- 
ed at the table. Orderlv in attendance. ) 

A C T T W O. 
{Enter Bennie leading Blossom— President rising— Bennie saluting.) 

Good morning little girl, (taking her by the hand.) and this is your brave brother 
Good morning Bennie. {shakes hands then Pres. turns to the table, picks up 
a 1st Lieutenants shoulder strap and fastens it on Bennie's shoulder.) 



I 



THE SOLDIER S REPRIEVE 



Pres. — Tiie soldier who could carry a sick comrjides bigp;n£fe, and die for the act 
so uncomplainingly, deserves well of his country. Here is a leave of alisence for 
thirty days; take it and go back to that patriot father of yours, and tell him t« 
remember Abraham Lincoln at a throne ot divine grace. 

Exit Blossom and Beniiie — Curtain falls. 

HOME AGAIN. 

SCENE VI — Rear door opens; conductor calls out "This train for Balitmore, New 

Vork, Albany and Buffalo. 

MUSIC. 

Curtain rises — Home scene. 

Mr Owen pacing the ffoor — Mrs O. seated with hands folded in contemplative 
mood. 

Mr. O. — I tliink we ought to hear from Blossom soon; this is the fourth day since 
slie went awav- 

Mrs. O. — How lonely it seems; it is like as though both our dear ones were dead. 

Air. O. — We and they are in the Lords hands. He will surely do what is best for 
us. If Blossom only reached Wasliington iti time to see tiie President, I believe he 
will save our Bennie; at least he will not allow him to be shot. 

Mrs. O. — I wonder why she does not send a telegram? 

Mr. O. — Dear little girl, she does not think; she is so young. 

(Enter Mr. Allan,, who has met Bennie and Blossom, and persuaded them to 
let him precede and break the news.) 

Eld. Allan — Praise the Lord! Bennie's saved. 

Mr. O. — [Grasping the pastor's hand) Thank God! 

(Enter Bennie and Blossom followed by Mrs. Carr.) 

Mr. O. — {Grasping his boy's hand: > Praise the for his goodness! Good bless our 
President. 

Mrs. O. — (Embracing her boy) God has kept my hoy . {then grasping little Blos- 
som in her arms: ) O my darling daughter.' 

Mrs. Carr — (In working clothes, grasping Bennie by the hand.) Och you dar- 
lint! an' was it fur the loikes o' me, a poor lone widely, and her onlv b'ye, yez cam' 
so near bein' an angel! God bliss yer sovvl, and sure as long as the good Lord laves 
us breath to dhraw ye'll niver want a friend in Jemmie nor his poor lone mither 

God grant the howly angels may iver kape ye from harrum, and may ye be a big- 
ger man nor the President hissilf; shure then and ye desarve it. 

Air. Allan — Let us sing. 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
Praise him all creatures here below, 
Praise him above ye heavenly host, 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



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